Operational Specialist: Technical & Language Editing at The South African Revenue Service (SARS)

About the Position

• SARS is looking for an experienced English Language Editor to help us review and revise SARS content meant for publication. This function is a vital part of our communication with taxpayers, to ensure that we deliver clear messages.  The individual will work across all levels and departments of our organisation.

Job Purpose

• To edit and proofread communications deliverables in accordance with the specified and required language standards, as well as provide expertise advice and support to the development of operational implementation plans and/or associated service delivery processes, to continuously enhance service delivery

Education and Experience

Minimum Qualification & Experience Required

• Bachelor’s Degree / Advanced Diploma (NQF 7 in Language Practice AND 5-7 years' experience in proofreading and language editing, of which 2-3 years must be at a functional specialist level.
• Senior Certificate (NQF 4) AND 10 years' experience in proofreading and language editing, of which 2-3 years is at a functional specialist level.

Job Outputs:

Process

• Edit, proofread and execute the overall quality control of documents.
• Accumulate information to review work progress that provides input to reporting, decision making and the identification of improvement opportunities.
• Apply practical and applied knowledge and act authoritatively on methods, systems and procedures to identify trends and potential risks.
• Communication of situational interpretation and judgement of work outputs and queries in area of specialisation.
• Correctly apply policies, practices, standards, procedures and legislation in the delivery of work outputs.
• Draw on own knowledge and experience to diagnose symptoms, causes and possible effects to solve emerging problems.
• Initiate and support process and procedural change, implement the change and provide guidelines and support, related to new requirements as a result of the change.
• Plan for value-added process improvements, initiatives and services to deliver on operational strategy and objectives.
• Provide specialist input through the investigation of opportunities for operational and multiple process, product and risk optimisation.
• Monitor and engage on possible violations of procedures and standards regarding communication organisational corporate identity.
• Monitor and assess the usage of language(s) by SARS.
• Advise content compilers in SARS on aspects of correct language use and applicable policies/guides.
• Identify and resolve queries and problems timeously, apply discretion in line with process guidelines provided and escalate unresolved problems.
• Develop and maintain productive working relationships with peers and SARS role players to achieve predefined objectives.
• Plan and organise own work tasks within area of work.
• Implement all Language Unit projects.

Governance

• Implement and provide input into the development of governance, compliance, integrity and ethics processes within area of specialisation.
• Ensure that completed work adheres to relevant policies, procedures, governance and legislative requirements, and report on deviations and discrepancies.

People

• Develop and maintain productive working relationships with peers and team members to achieve predefined objectives.
• Search for, integrate and share new knowledge attained through formal and informal learning opportunities in the execution of your job.

Finance

• Adhere to organisational policies and procedures to ensure cost effectiveness and reduction of financial costs.

Client

• Contribute to a culture of service excellence, which builds positive relationships and provides opportunity for feedback and exceptional service.
• Provide authoritative, specialist services, expertise, and advice to internal and external stakeholders.

Behavioural competencies

• Honesty and Integrity
• Respect
• Attention to Detail
• Communicating with Impact
• Problem Solving and Analysis
• Collaboration
• Planning and Prioritisation
• Analytical Thinking
• Accountability
• Adaptability
• Initiative
• Commitment to Continuous Learning
• Organisational Awareness
• Relationship building
• Building Sustainability

Technical competencies

• Reporting
• Efficiency improvement
• Critical Thinking
• Quality Orientation
• Written and verbal Communication
• Business and report writing skills
• Conceptual Thinking
• Creativity
• Leveraging Technology